Back again!

We had a very uneventful trip back to Thailand. We arrived home on Wednesday the 1st of December.   Jet lag keeps us from jumping right into the thick of things, though we have helped out here and there when asked by the team. The team is  very understanding and tries to give us some time to get our "legs" back.
 
Friday, Jerry and I spent the morning at Immigration. Jerry worked hard at getting our papers filled in, and in order.  They had changed the procedure, which was a bit frustrating, but we caught on fast and were able to get in the right cue.  We needed to extend our visa to stay in the country.  The officer was pleasant and talkative, and we were out of there before lunch.

On Saturday the 4th of December, the Saa Paper group had rented a space to sell our produce.  It took place in the parking lot of a large Presb. seminary in town.   We were assigned a space with a number.  The Saa Paper group needed me to come with the pickup and help load the bags, cards and picture frames, table, and chairs, and drive them to the sale. I did this at 7 a m which was a cinch for me, since I had been awake for hours. (jet lag)  Unloading, setting up, and then at noon, taking down, loading the truck, and then driving back to the center and unloading.  I took a long nap that afternoon!
Business was slow, but we managed to sell about 400 Baht. (a little over ten dollars U.S.)

Prawit, Yai, and Surin brought by some cucumbers which came from our farm. They are excited about the frog project and its success.  They saved some frogs back and hopefully we will have more baby frogs soon to sell when they mature. 

Sunday morning found us doing our usual  schedule.
Before the service, I pick up many of the kids and elderly who do not have a way to get to the center.  As I started out there was a ceremony for the kings birthday going on at the local gov't offices.  I was stuck in one spot for over 30 minutes, until the ceremony was over, and traffic began to move again. I and my four passengers made it back  just in time for the services to begin.

It was great being back and worshiping with our Thai family. We noted two new ladies who had not been  attending when we left three months ago. Also little December (thats his name, because he was born in December) In Thai his name is Tawnwaa.  (December).  His mother became a Christian about 2 weeks before she passed away, about two years ago.  We promised we would help take care of him, as his dad is not able, without some help. Every Sunday we pick December up for church, bathe him, give him some food, and most of all love on him.  He is sharp as a whistle, and a favorite with all. He turned 5 on Sunday.

The Youth spent time after our Sunday meal to put up Christmas decorations.  They announced that they are planning their own Christmas outreach party this year.   They are excited about planning that, and inviting friends and teens that attended the fall retreat in hopes of keeping in touch with them.  The Center's Christmas celebration is scheduled for the 19th. 

Monday the 6th, (today) we attended our Monday morning prayer time at the center.  15 of us gathered for prayer and scripture reading at 6 a m.   We then ate a pot luck breakfast.  I had some steamed squash, sticky rice, garlic pork, and a banana.   Jerry had some rice noodles too.   The food was delicious and the fellowship priceless! 

I will try to update this blog every Monday morning and give a quick review about the happenings at Philokalia every week.  I hope this is informative and I am providing you with information you want to know. If you have any questions, or you want me to write about a certain subject just let me know, and I will be happy to do just that.

May we not just sing about his kingdom, but may we live it!